Brogan McCay from "Jig" Defends World Irish Dancing Championship

The 42nd World Irish Dancing Championships, hosted by An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha, started March 31st and runs through Easter Sunday, April 8th. An estimated 25,000 competitors, teachers and fans of Irish dancing have enjoyed four days of solo and team competitions thus far. Monday's competitions included Boys 12-13 and Girls 12-13, to the delight of thousands in attendance at Belfast's Waterfront Hall.

Brogan, who dances with Scoil Rince McConomy Bradley in Derry, Ireland, defended her 2011 World Irish Dancing Championship title Monday in the Girls 12-13 competition. The Worlds title is the capstone in a streak of wins for McCay in 2011 which includes the British National Irish Dancing Championship and All-Scotland Irish Dancing Championship titles.

Brogan McCay swept Irish dance enthusiasts around the world off their feet in Sue Bourne's highly-acclaimed documentary "Jig" with these few words: "My name is Brogan McCay and I'm ten years old and I'll be going to the Worlds for the very first time". For the first time ever, the public is given a glimpse into the journey to what is virtually the Olympics of Irish dancing through the eyes of champions like McCay and her friendly-rival, Julia O'Rourke from the Petri School in New York. In the film, O'Rourke wins the 2010 World Irish Dancing Championship title with McCay taking second place.

Brogan McCay starred in "Jig" the documentary film about the 2010 World Irish Dancing Championships.Photo:Wellpark Productions

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